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Dodgers Scramble to Fend Off Surging Padres in NL West Showdown
16 Aug
Summary
- Dodgers' division dominance threatened by Padres' aggressive trade deadline moves
- Dodgers' offseason acquisition Blake Snell's performance crucial for their playoff hopes
- Dodgers counting on current roster to step up and reclaim NL West title
As of August 16th, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves in an unfamiliar position – tied for first place in the NL West with the San Diego Padres. This is a stark contrast to the Dodgers' recent dominance of the division, having won it every year since the San Francisco Giants' triumph in 2021.
However, the tide has turned this season, with the Padres emerging as a formidable challenger. In the weeks leading up to the trade deadline, Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller orchestrated a series of impactful moves, including the blockbuster acquisition of Athletics closer Mason Miller. This has propelled the Padres to become one of the hottest teams in baseball, putting pressure on the Dodgers.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers had a relatively quiet trade deadline, with their most notable addition being reliever Brock Stewart, who is currently on the injured list. The Dodgers are now counting on their current roster to step up and reclaim the NL West title, with the performance of their offseason acquisition, left-handed pitcher Blake Snell, being a crucial factor.
Snell, who signed a five-year, $182 million deal with the Dodgers less than a month after their World Series victory, has yet to live up to his hefty price tag this season. However, if the former Cy Young winner can regain his dominant form, as he did in his most recent start when he struck out 10 Blue Jays hitters in five scoreless innings, it could be the catalyst the Dodgers need to pull ahead of the Padres in the division race.
